Already There Are "Needs" For The Packers: Chapter 2

Yesterday I started the series by looking at the Packers "need" at the running back position. I caught some flack because I didn't start with the offensive line because that seems to be perceived as the biggest "need".

The Packers troubles on the offensive line because of age and injury. Chad Clifton has been the anchor at left tackle for the past 10 years but he is not the same player after that hit Warren Sapp put on him after a turnover some years ago. He is the best option at left tackle, but his contract is up and I don't see the Packers re-signing him.

Darryn Colledge and Jason Spitz also have their contract up after the season, but the Packers will try to make sure they don't leave. Colledge graded out as the best offensive lineman after the 2008 season. He also can play left tackle, which what he did against the Rams and will also start against the Vikings this week.

Some feel the Packers think that Colledge is a better option at left tackle in the future, then rookie T.J. Lang will be the left guard of the future with Spitz and Josh Sitton at center and right guard. That leaves Allen Barbe as the right tackle. Barbe has had a rough start and the Packers need him to step up if he is the guy that will man the right tackle position for the near future and for years to come.

Thats not comferting for most Packers fans. The "need" to add a dominant tackle could be the Packers biggest "need" also because the play and health of Aaron Rodgers depends on it. Keep this in mind though, G.M. Ted Thompson has invested mor epicks in the offensive line then any other position during his tenure as G.M.

The 2010 draft could have four seniors as first rounders and a few underclassmen will bump that number up as well. The past two drafts were extremely deep at the tackle position and this draft may not be to different.